At this time, one of the most important centres in the north was Sheikh Maddar's (1825–1917) large Qadiriya settlement at Hargeisa amongst the Habar Awal clan containing representatives of most of the Isaq clans. This was a haven of peace in a turbulent area, strategically placed at the intersection of the caravan routes leading from the coast to the Ogaden.

I.M. Lewis, I. M. Lewis, A Modern History of the Som…, loc. 199